From historic sporting events and music festivals, to palaces and magical attractions, London and the surrounding counties provide the perfect reason for a holiday this summer, whether it be a family vacation, or long weekend getaway. British Airways’ crew have put together a list of dates you need to mark in your calendar, and activities to add to your travel must-do list:
ROYAL ASCOT 2017
June 21 to 24
The Royal Ascot is unarguably the UK’s most expensive horse race, attracting the world’s finest racehorses to compete for more than £6.58 million ($8.54 million) in prize money. New this year, visitors can now enjoy the best of British summer and racing with the roll out of The Village Enclosure priced at £67 ($87). This addition includes pop up and al-fresco dining, adult beverage bars, fine dining restaurants and an unmissable atmosphere with live music all day long.
HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA
June 28 to July 2
Fly with British Airways to London with return fares starting from $615 from Abu Dhabi and $630 from Dubai
The highlight of the British summer and the ultimate social event in the June calendar, the Henley Royal Regatta is the world’s most popular rowing race of its kind. Dating back to 1839, the crowds of sporting enthusiasts and English socialites flock to the banks of the River Thames to support rowing teams competing for the grand titles. There are strict dress codes in place for the exclusive areas such as the Stewards’ Enclosure, which require ladies to wear a hat and a formal dress below the knee, and gentlemen are expected to wear blazers and ties, often reflecting the universities they’ve rowed for. The five-day event is accompanied by plenty of afternoon tea, traditional British fares and bubbly.
WIMBLEDON CHAMPIONSHIPS
July 3 to 16
The Wimbledon Championships is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, and is widely considered the most prestigious. Since the first championships in 1877, Wimbledon has grown from its roots as a garden-party event to a Grand Slam tournament. The only one of its kind held on a grass surface, Wimbledon continues to honour many long-standing traditions not least, a royal patronage and eating strawberries and cream.
BRITISH GRAND PRIX
July 14 to 16
The weekend long Formula 1 Rolex Grand Prix is a must-attend event on the international F1 calendar. Hailed as one of the fastest circuits in the world by F1 drivers, the Silverstone circuit attracts serious car enthusiasts and the crème of the F1 community for a truly great annual sporting event. Visitors can make the most of the motoring championship and camp out over the weekend if they have three-day tickets to the Grand Prix.
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL
August 27 to 28
One of Europe’s biggest street parties offers visitors a daily carnival parade, stunning floats and creatively costumed dancers weaving their way through the streets of London. You will find it hard not to move along to the rhythmic Caribbean beats that fill the air, or fall in love with mouth-watering food drawing inspiration from as all corners of the Caribbean.
A full timetable of British Airways' flights to London and beyond is available online where customers can find the lowest fares and book, pay and check-in online for their flights.